The term hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as frac'ing and fracking,
has recently become part of the global lexicon as the natural gas industry
expands its industrial operations across America and the globe.

Hydraulic fracturing is frequently heralded as the sole technology capable
of leading us into the next century by efficiently and economically
extracting cleaner burning natural gas from challenging formations to
serve as the bridge fuel to a sustainable energy future… in effect, boldly
taking lead as the 'new oil.'

However, because the application is under great suspicion of contributing
to degraded aquifers in many areas of the United States and abroad, the
term often induces doubt, fear, frustration and even hostility between
those with differing opinions about the process, regardless of which
'side' of the controversy they find themselves.

First coined by the mining industry, but oft applied by its dissenters as
colloquial slang, hydraulic fracturing is indeed a term that is as often
appropriated as it is misunderstood. Behind the over-simplified
descriptions and hyperbole generated by investment-driven, political or
even large, organized environmental interests, however, resides a leading
edge mechanical application with its origins dating back to the
mid-1800's.

That long timeline is punctuated by innovation and competitive
geo-political forces as well as human and wildlife populations subjected
unwittingly to its failures.

Not always quietly, but under-girding it all, is the crust of our Earth
and the vulnerabilities which can arise when a modern rush to exploit
falls far short of predictions and promises. The result is a debate about
the process itself.

I hope you will agree that any worthwhile perspective on such a
controversial topic should begin with a basement view of the situation…
What follows, is my attempt to briefly, but adequately do so.